Who We Are The Lower Eastside Girls Club is an independent community-based organization funded by those who share our vision for social change.
The Lower Eastside Girls Club connects girls and young women to healthy and successful futures. Our state-of-Âthe-Âart community center offers a safe haven with programs in the arts, sciences, leadership, entrepreneurship, and wellness for girls in middle and high school. Programs are offered at no cost to girls and their families.
Joy. Power. Possibility. The Lower Eastside Girls Club breaks the cycle of poverty by training the next generation of ethical, entrepreneurial, and environmental leaders. Girls Club members overcome adversity, perceive opportunity, develop self-confidence, make ethical decisions and healthy life choices, thrive academically, embrace leadership, and have the ability to enter college or the work force as fully prepared and connected adults.
About Our Neighborhood Our community is an example of the growing income inequality that is endemic in New York City. Girls Club members are drawn from the NYCHA Housing Projects which create a solid wall of poverty across from our center. Additionally, the Lower East Side is a federally designated health professional shortage area in the fields of primary care, dental care, and mental health.
69%
2000
16%
35%
of public school
of NYC’s homeless
of students are
of youth are raised
students live
students come
performing at grade
by a grandparent or
in poverty
from the LES
level in Math *
other family member
50%
13%
85%
60%
of High School students graduate (as compared to city graduation rates of 70%)
of students are
of schools qualify
of youth are raised in
performing at grade
as overcrowded
single parent homes
level in English Language Arts * * average for our three local schools Grades 3–8 Figures from: CB3 District Needs Statement for FY18
About Our Girls The Girls Club impacts the lives of thousands of girls in middle and high school who are stressed by the overwhelming challenges that poverty, housing instability and community violence present.
Pathways to Success
The Lower Eastside Girls Club recognizes that significant change takes time. We make a long-term commitment to at-risk girls and their families, supporting girls’ safe passage to adulthood. Our program model addresses the specific developmental needs of pre-adolescence, adolescence, and young adulthood.
Girls Club Programs Our programs fall into six thematic categories that support girls as they grow from adolescence to adulthood.
Lamarr-Lovelace Labs
“I’ve become more interested in technology at the Girls Club, especially because of Maker Girls.”
89% of girls report that they are more interested in STEM subjects after coming to the Girls Club.
Girls discover the fascinating universe of science and technology, develop an appreciation and love of STEM subjects, and confidently realize that they too can thrive in these male-dominated fields. Our STEM programming includes: Maker Shop/Robotics Lab • East Village Planetarium Biology Lab • Environmental Programming and Green Roof • Music Technology and Audio Engineering Lab • Radio and Podcasting Studio • Tutoring
Healthy Bodies Healthy Minds “The Girls Club has helped me develop a healthy lifestyle.�
95% of girls report that the Girls Club helps them manage stress and anxiety.
Girls learn to value their health at pivotal junctures in their lives. They have access to on-site nurses, nutritionists, and counselors, gaining tools for practicing self-care and stress-reduction. Our wellness programming incorporates nutrition education, on-site nurses, a CSA and rooftop garden, yoga, dance, and step classes, running club, smoothie bar and meals for girls, and summer camp in the Adirondacks.
GALA: Girls as Activists, Leaders and Advocates Girls build supportive peer groups and learn to navigate the complexities of urban life. They broaden their worldview and strengthen their advocacy skills. They simultaneously develop tolerance, empathy, a capacity for ethical decision-making, and a commitment to contributing towards a greater good. Our GALA programming includes: Center for Media and Social Justice Global Partnerships and Travel • Justice Rising Leadership Seminars and Conferences
“I’ve learned that uniting with other girls to change the world is very powerful.”
98% of girls report that they are more aware of issues impacting their lives and community.
We Mean Business and Mentoring “I have learned more about myself and what I want in the future.”
91% of girls say the Girls Club helps them learn to set goals, plan ahead, and stay motivated.
Girls gain meaningful employment experience and entrepreneurial training. They access resources, connect with mentors, build social capital, and pursue opportunities. Our We Mean Business programming includes: Mentoring • College Prep • Career Exploration Internships and Employment • Culinary Training Our entrepreneurial initiatives include: Sweet Things Bake Shop • La Tiendita Fair Trade Gift Shop
Alphabet City Art School Girls tap into their creative passions, explore a variety of opportunities in the Arts, Humanities and Media, and connect with the thriving art scene in New York. Alphabet City Art School includes courses in: Photography • Digital Film and Media • Design • Sewing and Material Arts • Drawing • Painting • Sculpture Art History • Crafty Chicas • Chorus • Literacy
“The art classes help me take my mind off of stress and make me happy.”
88% of girls report discovering new interests and passions at the Girls Club.
Who We Are The Lower Eastside Girls Club is a center of innovation in the field of community-based youth development. We are a model for educators from across the globe who visit, learn from and replicate our unique program design and approach to community engagement.
“We are really like a parallel family to the girls and are so invested in them and this community.” — Jenny Dembrow Associate Director
We are a training institute for public health nurses, counselors, artists, educators, and scientists seeking to apply their expertise and have a meaningful impact in an urban setting. We bring people together in critical conversation and knowledge exchange by organizing and convening conferences, seminars, speaker series, film forums, and public education opportunities. Much of the success of the Girls Club can be attributed to our uniquely qualified staff. From GEDs to PhDs, all ages, races, ethnicities and genders — everyone who works at the Girls Club has a resume of major accomplishments in their field and a commitment to the advancement of women and girls in our community and beyond.
Girls Club Worldwide Partners We are building a collaborative network of like-minded organizations who share our mission and vision for creating global leaders.
Local Partners
National Partners
International Partners
BioBus/BioBase Science education for youth
Perfect Ten Hudson, NY
Shine on Sierra Leone Sierra Leone, West Africa
Hunter-Bellevue School of Nursing
YAYA New Orleans, LA
House with Heart Kathmandu, Nepal
Two Eagle River School Pablo, Montana
Club Balam Chiapas, Mexico
On-site nurses for private consults and training
Justice Rising Support programs for families affected by the criminal justice system
Middle Project Community-based social justice projects
Girls Club Glasgow Glasgow, Scotland
Guiding Principles
Philosophy We are a force for good, working to promote sisterhood and social justice. We empower girls, strengthen families, and build community.
Place and Proximity matter
We share a deep localized knowledge of the needs and concerns of Lower East Side residents. We ensure wraparound service provision by maintaining vital collaborative relationships with schools and providing on-site nursing and mental health counselors.
People make a difference
Each girl is supported by talented and welltrained staff, dedicated mentors, engaged families, and community stakeholders.
Passion motivates
We change the way girls see the world and their place in it. Our environment inspires play, sparks joy, nurtures learning, and imparts a sense of purpose.
Permanence is important
We recognize that real change takes time. We bring an enduring, relentless commitment to girls and their families, and are a stable and reliable presence in their lives.
Pre-adolescent programming Grades 6–8
Our environment sparks an interest in learning and bolsters girls’ self-confidence. Joyful play and project-based experiential activities build trust and challenge girls to take risks and persist. Members feel a sense of belonging and safety, developing meaningful connections with caring staff and mentors who model positive behaviors. These supports provide a critical buffer to toxic stress, and a solid foundation for building core non-cognitive skills.
Being Myself Adolescent programming Grades 9–11
During the early high school years we strengthen girls’ cognitive and non-cognitive skills—such as character, confidence, and resilience —through challenging activities in STEM and the Arts. Emphasis is placed on building social connectedness, communication skills, and leadership capacity. We direct youthful energy by encouraging girls to discover and pursue passion projects which help them persist and thrive in the face of adversity. This age group also receives guidance and support as they navigate through the complexities of high school and plan for further education.
Beyond Myself Young Adulthood programming Grade 12–College
Our young adult programming is designed to ensure that girls possess a mastery of 21st century skill sets in science, engineering, technology, arts, humanities, and the creative industries. Young women have direct access to professional role models and mentors, college and career guidance, as well as internship and employment opportunities. They become leaders by working collaboratively, speaking publicly, and advocating for themselves and their community. They develop global competency through service learning initiatives at home and abroad.
Program Design: Ages & Stages
Becoming Myself
Real Change Takes Time
Our Impact:
Short-Term Success Girls overcome adversity, graduate from high school, persist in college or chosen career path, and set forth towards achieving their full potential in life. The following outcomes ensure this success is possible:
Health and Wellness • Girls value their health, practice self-care, and demonstrate habits for lifelong health.
Transcend Trauma • Girls overcome barriers of
intergenerational poverty, toxic stress, and violence in the community.
• Parents are engaged as active
participants in their daughters’ life.
• Girls and their parents are connected with the resources and social support they need to thrive.
Passion and Joy • Girls thrive as they discover and
pursue their creative passions, take risks, collaborate, communicate their ideas, and fulfill their potential.
Mastery of 21st Century Skill Sets • Girls are equipped with a mastery of 21st century skills in science, engineering, technology, the arts, and humanities.
Social Connectedness • Girls experience solidarity, build
supportive peer groups, bond with staff, and develop an enduring relationship with a caring mentor.
Empowerment • Girls exhibit strong non-cognitive skills, including confidence, purpose, perseverance, and a solid sense of self.
College and Career Readiness • Girls are self-motivated,
experienced, employable, and connected to a diverse network of professional women who can advance their academic and career goals.
Leadership • Girls are ethical, entrepreneurial,
and environmental changemakers.
• Girls demonstrate empathy, tolerance, and an ability to peacefully resolve conflicts.
Mid-term Success “I wish that there was a way to thank you for exposing my daughter to something that I’ve been trying to tell her for the last 8 years: girls can do anything that boys can do.” —FATHER OF
Girls Club Alumni experience:
• Increased educational attainment and meaningful employment • Personal satisfaction and growth • Healthier and fulfilled lives as engaged citizens • Few risk behaviors • A departure from patterns of intergenerational poverty and toxic stress
• Future involvement as mentors, volunteers, and role models for the next generation.
13 YEAR OLD MEMBER
Long-term Success Community Resilience The Girls Club contributes towards a resilient and healthy Lower East Side community with enhanced well-being, reduced toxic stress, and lower health care and social service costs at the local, state and national level. “My daughter participated in your summer program and loved it! I have never seen her so happy. She has been having a very hard time lately
Pipeline of Diverse Talent The Girls Club contributes to a pipeline of previously untapped diverse talent, equipping young women with a mastery of 21st century skill sets. We add to a growing network of women in STEM fields who are pioneering ethical solutions to real world problems and serving as professional role models for the next generation.
and I feel like the
Leadership for Change
Girls Club is the
The Girls Club is producing leaders who will change the world. We are building a generation of active citizens prepared to tackle the ethical and environmental challenges we face in the 21st century.
best thing that has happened for her!” —MOTHER OF 14 YEAR OLD MEMBER
Center for Community
The Lower Eastside Girls Club Center for
Program development offices, conference
Community, New York City’s first and only
and training rooms share space with
Girls Club facility, is located on Avenue D
the Counseling, Career and Leadership
between 7th and 8th Streets in Manhattan.
Center where girls can meet with
Girls enter a new world filled with hope,
nurse educators, nutritionists, social
imagination and possibility for the future.
workers, career counselors, and college
Baker Hall, a multipurpose facility for healthcare and physical activities, offers dance, yoga, drumming, meditation and stress reduction programs, sports activities and more. Nurse practitioners, nutritionists, and physical fitness instructors are available for counseling and training. Educational classes and events for families and new parents also take place here.
advisors. Ongoing mentoring, tutoring, academic support, GALA and Girls Club Worldwide leadership development and civic engagement programs. Alphabet City Art School houses large lightfilled art studios used for painting, drawing and other materials arts classes. The Art + Community Gallery, site of the Girls Club’s teen curatorial training program, acts as a venue for a wide range of art exhibitions.
The Lamarr-Lovelace Labs are the
The Science and Environmental
epicenter of all technology-related
Education Center opens onto a working
programs and equipment. The Labs
green roof where Farm Girls grow
are home to our Maker Shop, a site for
produce and herbs for the café.
hands-on engineering projects, and The
We have expanded our successful
East Village Planetarium: a 64 seat, 30 ft dome that teaches earth and sky science, astro-visualization and digital design to schools and small group classes. The Digital Media Lab offers computer stations with free wireless Internet access, and classes in graphic design, web design and digital photography. Digital filmmaking and editing classes also take place here. Simultaneously, girls take their digital film, photography and IT courses, while school classes and the general public participate in film festivals and screening events in the Center for Media and Social Justice screening room. The Sound Design Studio is the home of the WGRL: Where Girl Radio Lives podcasting station, Avenue DJs, audio engineering and citizen journalism classes.
entrepreneurial social venture businesses, the Sweet Things Bake Shop and Celebrate Café, with the construction of a We Mean Business Culinary Education Center and commercial kitchen. These programs offer job training and opportunities for teenage girls and neighborhood women. The kitchen also serves as a classroom for Healthy Bodies Healthy Minds nutrition education and Pizza Academy classes, while meeting in-house food service needs. A planted courtyard with an outdoor fountain, designed by artist Kiki Smith, and café tables provides a unique oasis for dining and quiet events.
Foundation Grants
Corporate & Community
Lower Manhattan Cultural
Ample Table for Everyone
Business Contributions
Council • NASA – Summer
• AAUW – American
BBA Aviation • Bikram
of Innovation • NEA – Big
Association of University
Yoga Lower East Side •
Read • Manhattan Borough
Women • Atlantic
Bluecore • CAA Foundation
President Gale Brewer • NYC
Philanthropies • Robert
• CHI & Partners • Credico
Councilmember Chin • NYC
Bowne Foundation • Crane
• Cognizant • Decon •
Councilmember Mendez •
Fund for Widows and
Deutsche Bank Americas
The STARS Citywide Girls
Children • Essex County
Foundation • Genzler
Initiative, Sponsored by the
Community Foundation •
Amplification • Glamour’s
NYC Council • NYC Council –
HIVE Digital Media Learning
The Girl Project • GoldieBlox
Manhattan Delegation • NYC
Fund of the NY Community
• Fondation d’entreprise
Council Speaker’s Initiative
Trust • NY Community Trust
Hermès • Jones Day •
• NYC Council – Women’s
• The Mary J. Hutchins
Maybelline • Morgan Stanley
Caucus • NYC Department
Foundation • Nellie Mae
• NARS • Neuberger Berman
of Cultural Affairs • NYC
Education Foundation • The
• News Corp • NYU College
Department of Youth and
Muriel F. Siebert Foundation
of Arts and Sciences •
Community Development,
• Laurie M. Tisch Illumination
NYU Office of Government
COMPASS SONYC and
Fund • WT Grant Foundation
and Community Affairs •
Explore • NYS Office of Children and Family Services
SoulCycle • SYPartners Major Capital Funders
• Tangerine • Two Sigma
A.K. Starr Charitable Trust
• Verizon Foundation •
Family Foundations & Donor Advised Funds
• Booth Ferris Foundation
WME Foundation • Xerox
The Thomas & Agnes Carvel
Family Foundation •
Foundation • Theodore Cross
Anonymous in honor of
Family Fund • Lisa Fox •
Judith Bruce • The Kresge
Jacob Friedman Charitable
Foundation • The Russell
Trust • The Guttman Family
Grinnell Memorial Trust
Foundation • The Harman
• NYC Mayor’s Office of
Family Foundation • Tyler
Capital Projects • Manhattan
Rigg Foundation • A.K Starr
Borough President
Charitable Trust • Starry
Gale Brewer • NY State
Night Fund • The Truesdale
Assembly • NYC Council,
Family Trust • The Tyra
Manhattan Delegation
• Cydney and Tom Marsico
Banks TZONE Foundation
Donate securely online at: www.girlsclub.org
Major Donors & Sponsors
Government Funding
The Lower Eastside Girls Club connects girls and young women to healthy and successful futures. Our state-of-Âthe-Âart center offers a safe haven with programs in the arts, sciences, leadership, entrepreneurship, and wellness for middle and high school girls. Programs are offered at no cost to girls and their families.
Visit us online:
www.girlsclub.org @girlsclubny 101 Avenue D, New York, NY 10009 (entrance on East 8th Street)